The following computer-generated description may contain errors and does not represent the quality of the book:And the question now remains, which of the three motives just enumerated is to actuate the department in this inquiry?

The Assistant Secretary. I think you can fairly assume that the latter one of the three is the purpose, Mr. Lubin. We want to do what we can for the betterment of the general conditions.

Mr. Lubin. Well, then, it is in order for me to proceed, but before doing so I desire to state that Mr. Hampton, a coworker, is here with me, and that he represents some State granges. What granges do you represent, Mr. Hampton?

Mr. Lubin. I have been working in conjunction with Mr. Hampton and with Mr. Creasy. Mr. Creasy is the master of Pennsylvania State Grange, and when I leave Washington I am to present this subject before the executive committee of the Pennsylvania State Grange, but the presentation then will be modified in some essentials from that made here, the reason for which I will explain further on.

The basic feature in the German system of marketing farm products is its "Landwirtschaftsrat" (its national council of agriculture). This Landwirtschaftsrat is a semiofficial body, which, beginning in the township, the county, thence upward to the Province, culminates in the national organization of its 72 members, with its seat in Berlin. Its revenue for expenses is met by Government taxation of each farmer having a vote. It has the power (in a consultative and in an advisory manner) under Federal law of exercising the initiative and referendum on all laws that are being enacted, or that are up for discussion in the Reichstag, which have a direct or an indirect bearing on the industry of agriculture, and it has the right to submit amendments or ask the repeal of existing laws bearing on the subject of that industry. Of course, this is only an advisory body, but it is quite clear to be seen from its operation that it is one of the most powerful political and economic bodies in Germany. Incidentally it also looks out for the thousand and one things that come under the head of promoting agriculture, such as buying, selling, production, distribution, cooperative work, rural credits, etc.

Now, the proposal that I will submit to this department does not embrace the taking up at this time of the Landwirtschftsrat; that will be done at some future time by the farmers themselves, but what I will offer right now is intended to serve as a substitute, and is of a temporary character, in order that the success which is to follow from the start may serve as a means to hasten on the adaptation and adoption of the European marketing system in its most approved and complete form.

The Assistant Secretary. Would you object, Mr. Lubin, to our asking you a question once in a while as you go along?

Mr. Lubin. Not at all.

The Assistant Secretary. I would like to ask you if the advisory power of this body is restricted to laws affecting farmers or landowners?

Mr. Lubin. I think that it is confined to the things that appertain to agriculture, either directly or indirectly.